Episcleritis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
An episcleritis is a condition that affects the tissue covering the white part of the eye, the episclera. The condition causes redness, irritation, and swelling of the eye. The condition is usually harmless, but can be accompanied by some inflammatory diseases if it persists.
Causes of Episcleritis
It is unclear what causes episcleritis, but it may be caused by an immune system attack or an infection. Episcleritis is sometimes a sign of an underlying inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease. However, most cases of episcleritis are unrelated.
Symptoms of Episcleritis
The main symptom of episcleritis is redness of the eye, which can affect one or both eyes. The redness may be limited to a section of the eye or cover the whole eye. There are two types of episcleritis:
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Simple episcleritis: This type causes mild discomfort and tearing of the eye, but no pain or vision problems.
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Nodular episcleritis: This type causes a small lump (nodule) to form in the episclera, which may be tender and painful to touch.
Other symptoms of episcleritis may include:
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Sensitivity to light
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A feeling of grittiness or heat in the eye
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Watery discharge from the eye
Diagnosis of Episcleritis
The diagnosis of episcleritis can be made by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) through a physical examination. The doctor may use a device called a slit lamp, which magnifies the eye and allows the doctor to see the episclera and other structures of the eye. The doctor may also ask the patient about their medical history and symptoms.
Treatment of Episcleritis
Episcleritis usually does not require any specific treatment, as it often resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, some treatments may help to relieve the symptoms and speed up the healing process, such as:
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Artificial tears: These are eye drops that lubricate and soothe the eye, and can be bought over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These are medications that reduce inflammation and pain, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. They can be taken orally or applied as eye drops, but should be used with caution and under the guidance of a doctor.
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Inflammation is reduced and the immune system is suppressed by corticosteroid eye drops. When diagnosed with severe or persistent episcleritis, these drugs are usually prescribed by a doctor, but should only be used for a short period of time and followed up regularly, since they can cause side effects like increased eye pressure, cataracts, and infections.
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Treatment of underlying disease: If episcleritis is caused by an inflammatory disease, treating the disease may also help to prevent or reduce the episodes of episcleritis.
Prevention of Episcleritis
There is no specific way to prevent episcleritis, as the cause is often unknown. However, some general measures that may help to reduce the risk or frequency of episcleritis include:
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Avoiding eye irritants, such as smoke, dust, or chemicals
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Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear when exposed to bright light or potential eye hazards
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Practicing good eye hygiene, such as washing the hands before touching the eyes, removing contact lenses before sleeping, and cleaning the lenses properly
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Seeking medical attention for any eye infections or injuries
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Managing any underlying inflammatory diseases with the help of a doctor
Outlook of Episcleritis
In general, episcleritis is benign and self-limiting, with no serious complications or long-term damage to the eye. It can, however, be uncomfortable and recurrent, affecting one's quality of life. Therefore, if you have any eye problems, you should consult an eye doctor, and follow his or her treatment instructions. There is also a possibility that episcleritis is confused with scleritis, a more serious condition that affects the deeper layers of the eye and can cause vision loss. When eye redness is accompanied by severe pain, blurred vision, or other eye symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical care immediately.
